Financial Aid Q&A

How do I apply for Financial Aid?

Start by completing a FAFSA On the Web Worksheet to help you complete the FAFSA online.

Worksheets can be printed from the FAFSA website (www.fafsa.ed.gov). Since you will be completing your FAFSA electronically, it is recommended you start by registering for a PIN (your parent should also register) by going to www.pin.ed.gov. Once you receive your PIN, complete the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

How is my financial need determined?

A standard analysis is used to determine financial need. The amount your family is expected to contribute (the Expected Family Contribution or EFC) is calculated based upon the information reported on your FAFSA. The EFC is then subtracted from the cost of education at the school to which you're applying. The difference between the two is your need for financial assistance.

The FAFSA becomes available for the upcoming award year on January 1st of each year and is available through the year.

What happens after I file the FAFSA?

After you complete your FAFSA, you will receive your Student Aid Report (SAR). This document may give you some guidance about expected contribution toward college cost, but it is not the final confirmation of your award. Wait to hear from the financial aid office of the school or college where you've applied; they make the final determination of your eligibility for assistance.

What kind of documents may the school request to verify the information on my application?

You may be asked to provide documents to verify any item on the application. Make sure you and your parents keep a photocopy of your completed federal tax returns and W-2s used to complete the application.

Do I need to be admitted before I can apply for financial aid at a particular university?

No. You can apply for financial aid any time after January 1st. To actually receive funds, however, you must be admitted and enrolled at the college.

Can I use Financial Aid to pay for classes that are not in my program?

No, Financial Aid cannot be awarded for classes that do not count toward a student’s degree, certificate, or other recognized credential.

How many credits do I have to take to qualify for a Direct Student Loan?

Students must be enrolled at least half-time to maintain eligiblity for Direct Loans. Students who drop below half-time during the semester may have their Direct Loan revoked and funds returned to the Department of Education. If you need to drop below half-time, please consult with a financial aid adviser.

Do I have to reapply for financial aid every year?

Yes. After your first year you will have an option to complete "Renewal Application" which contains preprinted information from the previous year's FAFSA. Note that your eligibility for financial can change year to year. Renewal of your financial aid package also depends on you making satisfactory academic progress towards a degree.

Where can I get information about Federal student financial aid?

Call the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) or 1-800-730-8913 (if hearing impaired) and ask for a free copy of The Student Guide: Financial Aid from the US Department of Education. This toll free hotline is run by the US Department of Education and can answer questions about federal and state student aid programs and applications.

I sent in my FAFSA over four weeks ago but haven’t heard anything. What should I do?

If you haven't received a Student Aid Report (SAR) call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (toll free) or 1-319-337-5665. You must provide them with your Social Security number and date of birth as verification.

You can also write to:

PO Box 4038
Washington, DC 52243-4038

In order to find out whether your FAFSA has been processed or to request a duplicate copy of your SAR.

What does priority deadline mean?

Students attending SLCC who submit requested documentation by the FINANCIAL AID PRIORITY DEADLINE will have their files reviewed and receive a status or award letter by the published tuition deadline.

Any student submitting documents after the priority deadline will be processed on a first-come, first served basis. This may delay the student receiving award status notification before tuition payment is due. If this occurs, students should be prepared to pay for tuition, fees and/or books upfront or initiate a payment using E-cashier located at www.southlouisiana.edu to reserve your class schedule.

If I get a grant, do I have to pay the money back?

A grant is gift aid that does not have to be repaid in most cases. However, students who withdraw from school may be required to pay back some of the grant funds. Please refer to the Attendance and Withdrawal section link on the left sidebar.

How is my financial aid affected when I withdraw or stop attending classes?

The Title IV Financial Aid you receive from the federal government is for your use while you are a student. Federal law states that if you stop being a student for any reason before completing 60% of the semester, the government requires the “unearned” portion of that money be repaid immediately.

The amount that you have to pay back is based on the timing of your withdrawal. Depending upon when the withdrawal takes place, the amount of money you have to repay could be significant.

If you unofficially withdraw (stop attending classes without completing a withdrawal form), you will also be subject to repay funds. The amount of aid to be returned will be based on your last documented day of attendance at one of your scheduled classes.

Can I get a student loan?

SLCC will begin participating in the Direct Loan program effective the 2014-2015 Aid Year. For more information on Direct Loans, please go to http://studentaid.gov/types/loans

What is SAP?

Satisfactory Academic Progress, or SAP, is a policy requiring that student's maintain the school's academic standards to continue receiving federal aid. Students must maintain at least a cumulative 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. In addition, students should complete at least 67% of the total attempted classes.

The appeal will be reviewed by the Financial Aid Committee. The appeals committee will not meet directly with students. The committee’s ruling will be final. Students will be contacted via postal mail of their appeal decision.

Can I get financial aid if I take only one class?

If a student is determined to be eligible for financial aid, the approved award amount is determined by their enrollment status and the final determination of the EFC. Depending on the criteria mention, it is possible for a student to receive financial aid for one class but not guaranteed.

Can another individual contact the Office of Financial Aid on my behalf?

No. Students 18 years or older will have to sign a FERPA Information Release form providing permission for us to release information to third parties. Please review the FERPA policy and form listed under forms and documents.

South Louisiana Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of South Louisiana Community College.